Expandable Interbody Implant With Lateral Articulation

ABSTRACT

An intervertebral implant may include an input for expanding at least two extendable support elements connected to a body at respective locations, such that the extendable support elements each apply a respective expansion force directed away from a surface of the body. Application of a single input force to the input may induce the extendable support elements to apply different amounts of expansion force. Alternatively or additionally, an intervertebral implant may include at least two portions connected together by a hinge for articulation about the hinge. In one aspect, the hinge may include at least two rigid links each pivotably connected to the two portions. In another aspect, a rigid link of the hinge may include a passageway for communicating a hydraulic fluid between the two portions. A locking system may be positionable into successive locked configurations by operation of a cam to prevent contraction of an extendable support element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/794,693 filed Oct. 26, 2017, which claims the benefit of thefiling date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/413,038 filedOct. 26, 2016, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Intervertebral implants are commonly used in spinal surgery, such as ininterbody fusion procedures, in which an implant (e.g., a spacer orcage) is placed in the disc space between two vertebrae to be fusedtogether. At least a portion of the disc is typically removed before theimplant is positioned in the intervertebral space, and the implant maybe supplemented with bone graft material to promote fusion of thevertebrae. Interbody fusion procedures may also be performed inconjunction with other types of fixation, such as pedicle screwfixation, to provide additional stability, particularly while thevertebrae fuse together.

Different interbody fusion procedures can be distinguished by theirlocation along the spine (e.g., in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbarregions); by the type of implant used; and by the surgical approach tothe intervertebral space, in which different surgical approaches oftenimply different structural characteristics of the implant or implantsused. Different surgical approaches to the spine include anterior,posterior, and lateral. Examples of interbody fusion techniquesperformed along a posterior approach include posterior lumbar interbodyfusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). PLIFtechniques typically include positioning two intervertebral implantsinto the intervertebral space along a posterior to anterior direction,with one implant being positioned towards the left side of the spine andone implant being positioned towards the right side of the spine. Theimplants used in such PLIF techniques typically have a straight shape,in that they extend along a central axis. TLIF techniques, by contrast,typically include positioning one intervertebral implant into theintervertebral space (often towards the anterior portion of theintervertebral space) from the posterior of the patient, but the spineis approached on one side from a more lateral position than in PLIFtechniques. The implants used in such TLIF techniques are often curved,such that they have an overall kidney bean-like shape. Interbody fusiontechniques performed along a lateral approach, on the other hand, ofteninvolve implants that are generally symmetric along their linearlongitudinal axis (e.g., having a substantially rectangular or ovalshape), but the implants are typically larger than those used in PLIF orTLIF techniques. That is, intervertebral implants used in lateralapproaches often cover a substantial portion of the disc space.

Included among the different types of intervertebral implants areexpandable implants. Such implants often have an initially contractedconfiguration, such that they have a low profile in thesuperior-inferior direction, in order to ease insertion into theintervertebral space. Such expandable implants can then be expanded inthe superior-inferior direction after implantation, so as to securelyengage and stabilize the vertebrae on both sides of the intervertebralspace. Examples of expandable intervertebral implants are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 8,992,620 (“the '620 Patent”) and in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2017/0290671 (hereinafter “the '671Publication”), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference herein as if fully set forth herein.

Although considerable effort has been devoted in the art to optimizationof such intervertebral systems and methods, still further improvementwould be desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to interbody implants, as well as tosystems comprising the same. The present invention also relates toassociated methods of performing spinal interbody fusion proceduresusing such implants and systems.

One aspect of the present invention provides a spinal implant. Thespinal implant in accordance with this aspect of the inventionpreferably includes a body having a first surface for contacting a firstvertebral body and at least two extendable support elements connected tothe body at respective locations. The spinal implant may include aninput for expanding the extendable support elements, such that theextendable support elements each apply a respective expansion forcedirected away from the first surface. Desirably, the spinal implant maybe configured such that application of a single input force to the inputinduces the extendable support elements to apply different amounts ofexpansion force.

In accordance with some further aspects of the above spinal implant, theextendable support elements may include pistons slidably received withinrespective cylinders. Such extendable support elements may be driven byhydraulic fluid supplied to the input. In accordance with some yetfurther aspects of the spinal implant, the pistons may have differentcross-sectional areas from one another. According to some even furtheraspects, the spinal implant may include two portions articulatable abouta hinge portion. In accordance with some of such aspects, a first pistonwith a larger cross-sectional area may be located on the hinge portion.In some even further aspects, a second piston with a smallercross-sectional area may be located on one of the two articulatableportions. Some even further aspects may include a third piston slidablyreceived within a third cylinder on the other of the two articulatableportions. In some of such aspects, the first piston may have a largercross-sectional area than both of the second and third pistons. Inaccordance with other aspects of the spinal implant, the extendablesupport elements may be driven by hydraulic fluid supplied to the input,where the input is located on one of the articulatable portions oppositethe hinge portion. In accordance with some of such aspects, the spinalimplant may be configured to direct the hydraulic fluid from the inputon one of the articulatable portions to the other of the articulatableportions via the hinge portion. In accordance with yet other aspects ofthe spinal implant, the articulatable portions may include at leastthree segments, where a first one of the segments is articulatablyconnected to a second one of the segments, and a third one of thesegments is articulatably connected to the second segment, with thesecond segment being located between the first and third segments. Insuch aspects, the first piston with the larger cross-sectional area maybe located on the second segment.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a spinal implant. Thespinal implant in accordance with this aspect of the inventionpreferably includes first and second portions connected together by afirst hinge for articulation about the hinge. Desirably, the first hingemay include first and second rigid links each pivotably connected to thefirst and second portions of the implant.

In accordance with some further aspects of the above spinal implant, thespinal implant may be expandable along the longitudinal axis of thespine. In some of such aspects, the expansion of the spinal implant maybe driven by supplying a hydraulic fluid to the implant. In some evenfurther of such aspects, a piston slidably received within a cylindermay be provided on each of the first and second portions of the implant.In some aspects of the invention, the spinal implant may be configuredto direct the hydraulic fluid from between the first and second portionsof the implant via at least one of the first and second rigid links.

In accordance with other further aspects of the above spinal implant,the spinal implant may include a third portion connected to the secondportion by a second hinge for articulation about the second hinge.Desirably, the second hinge may include third and fourth rigid linkseach pivotably connected to the second and third portions of theimplant. In accordance with other aspects of the spinal implant, thefirst hinge is configured to allow the first and second portions toarticulate into an arrangement such that the longitudinal axes of thefirst and second portions are coincident with one another.

In accordance with some further aspects of the above spinal implant, thefirst and second rigid links may each be pivotably connected to thefirst and second portions of the implant such that the rigid links arepositioned on respective longitudinal sides of the implant. Inaccordance with other further aspects of the spinal implant, the firstand second rigid links may each be pivotably connected to the first andsecond portions of the implant such that the rigid links cross from onelongitudinal side of the implant to the other side between eachpivotably connected end of the respective link. In some of such aspects,one of the links may have a bent profile.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a spinal implant. Thespinal implant in accordance with this aspect of the inventionpreferably includes first and second portions connected together by ahinge for articulation about the hinge. The hinge desirably includes afirst rigid link pivotably connected to the first and second portions ofthe implant. Preferably, the first rigid link has a passageway thereinfor communicating a hydraulic fluid between the first and secondportions of the spinal implant.

In accordance with some further aspects of the above spinal implant, thespinal implant may be expandable along the longitudinal axis of thespine. In some of such aspects, the expansion of the spinal implant maybe driven by supplying a hydraulic fluid to the implant. In some evenfurther of such aspects, a piston slidably received within a cylindermay be provided on each of the first and second portions of the implant.

In accordance with other further aspects of the above spinal implant,the hinge may include a second rigid link pivotably connected to thefirst and second portions of the implant. In some of such aspects, thesecond rigid link may have a passageway therein for communicating thehydraulic fluid between the first and second portions of the spinalimplant. In accordance with some even further aspects, the first andsecond rigid links may each be pivotably connected to the first andsecond portions of the implant such that the rigid links are positionedon respective longitudinal sides of the implant. In accordance withother further aspects, the first and second rigid links may each bepivotably connected to the first and second portions of the implant suchthat the rigid links cross from one longitudinal side of the implant tothe other side between each pivotably connected end of the respectivelink. In some of such aspects, one of the links may have a bent profile.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a spinal implant. Thespinal implant in accordance with this aspect of the inventionpreferably includes a body having a first surface and a piston slidablyreceived within a cylinder of the body. The piston may be slidable alongan expansion axis of the cylinder so as to translate a second surfaceaway from the first surface. Desirably, the spinal implant is configuredto rotate the piston as the piston slides along the expansion axis. Inaccordance with some aspects of such spinal implant, the rotation of thepiston may be controlled by a cam. In one example, the cam may beprovided on an exterior surface of the piston such that the cam isengageable by a follower coupled to the cylinder. In accordance withother aspects of the invention, a ratcheting component may constrain therotation of the piston to a first direction as the piston slides alongthe expansion axis. The ratcheting component may be configured to bedisabled, when desired, so as to permit the piston to rotate in a seconddirection opposite the first direction. In accordance with yet otheraspects of such spinal implant, the piston may be coupled to anengagement plate having a second surface arranged to contact a secondvertebral body. Desirably, the engagement plate may be coupled to thepiston by a rotatable connection and/or a pivotable connection.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a spinal implant. Thespinal implant in accordance with this aspect of the inventionpreferably includes a body having a first surface and at least oneextendable support element connected to the body. The extendable supportelement may be configured to expand from a contracted configuration toat least one extended configuration to translate a second surface awayfrom the first surface. The spinal implant in accordance with thisaspect of the invention preferably also includes a locking systemadvanceable among a plurality of successive locked configurations, whereeach successive locked configuration corresponds to a successive levelof expansion of the extendable support element. Desirably, the lockingsystem prevents movement of the extendable support element towards thecontracted configuration when the locking system is positioned in one ofthe locked configurations. Moreover, the positioning of the lockingsystem into each of the successive locked configurations is preferablyperformed via operation of a cam.

In accordance with some further aspects of the above spinal implant, thecam may be provided on an exterior surface of the extendable supportelement such that the cam is engageable by a follower coupled to thebody. In accordance some such aspects of the invention, the engagementbetween the follower and the cam may induce rotation of the extendablesupport element.

In accordance with other further aspects of the spinal implant, aratcheting component may prevent the locking system from reverting to apreceding locked configuration. In some such aspects, the ratchetingcomponent may be configured to be disabled, when desired, so as topermit movement of the extendable support element to the contractedconfiguration.

In accordance with yet other further aspects of the above spinalimplant, the locking system may include a tiered array of upper stepsengageable with a tiered array of lower steps at a plurality of discretepositions as the extendable support element expands to the at least oneextended configuration. In accordance with other further aspects of thespinal implant, the extendable support element may include a pistonslidably received within a cylinder coupled to the body.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a spinal implantsystem. The spinal implant system in accordance with this aspect of theinvention preferably includes a spinal implant and a tool connectablethereto. The spinal implant may include first and second portionsconnected together by a hinge for articulation about the hinge, and thetool may include a spreader for spreading apart the first and secondportions of the spinal implant about the hinge. The hinge may be locatedat the distal end of the spinal implant, and a tool interface forconnection to the tool may be located at the proximal end of the spinalimplant.

In accordance with some further aspects of the above spinal implant, thespreader may be insertable into a space defined between the first andsecond portions in order to spread apart those portions. In accordancewith some of such aspects, movement of the spreader from the distal endtowards the proximal end of the spinal implant may induce the spreadingapart of the first and second portions of the implant. In accordancewith some even further aspects, the spreader may include at least oneramp surface engageable with at least one of the first and secondportions of the implant during movement of the spreader from the distalend towards the proximal end, so as to induce the spreading apart of thefirst and second portions of the implant.

In accordance with other further aspects of the above spinal implant,the spinal implant may be expandable along the longitudinal axis of thespine. That expansion of the spinal implant along the longitudinal axisof the spine may be controlled by the tool. For example, a hydraulicfluid may be supplied through the tool to a port at the proximal end ofthe spinal implant. In accordance with some aspects of the invention,the spinal implant may include a first piston expandable by thehydraulic fluid, which piston may be located on the hinge. In some ofsuch aspects of the invention, the spinal implant may include a secondpiston expandable by the hydraulic fluid, which second piston may belocated on one of the first and second portions of the spinal implant.In some even further aspects, the spinal implant may include a thirdpiston expandable by the hydraulic fluid, where the second piston islocated on one of the first and second portions of the implant and thethird piston is located on the other portion. In accordance with someaspects of the invention, the first piston on the hinge may have alarger cross-sectional area than the second piston on one of the firstand second portions of the implant. In accordance with some otheraspects, the port for the hydraulic fluid may be disposed on the firstportion of the spinal implant. In accordance with some of such aspects,the spinal implant may be configured to direct the hydraulic fluid fromthe port in the first portion to the second portion through the hinge.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of performinga spinal interbody fusion procedure. The method in accordance with thisaspect of the invention preferably includes inserting an implant into anintervertebral space between a first vertebral body and a secondvertebral body of a spine using a tool connected to a proximal end ofthe implant. The method also desirably includes spreading first andsecond articulatable portions of the implant apart about a hinge at adistal end of the implant using the tool while the tool is connected tothe proximal end of the implant.

In accordance with some further aspects of the above method, the step ofspreading the first and second articulatable portions of the implantapart using the tool may include inserting a spreading component into aspace defined between the first and second articulatable portions of theimplant. In some of such aspects, the step of spreading the first andsecond articulatable portions of the implant apart may includelongitudinally advancing the spreader from the proximal end towards thedistal end of the implant.

In accordance with other further aspects, the method may further includethe step of expanding the implant along the longitudinal axis of thespine. In some of such aspects, the expanding step may be actuated bythe tool. In some further aspects, the expanding step may includesupplying a hydraulic fluid to the implant via the tool. In some evenfurther aspects, the hydraulic fluid may flow between the first andsecond articulatable portions of the implant through the hinge. In someother aspects, the method may further include the step of expandingfirst and second pistons disposed on the respective first and secondarticulatable portions using the hydraulic fluid. In some other aspects,the expanding step may include applying a pressure to the hydraulicfluid. In some of such aspects, the application of the pressure to thehydraulic fluid may result in the first and second pistons applyingrespective first and second expansion forces between the first andsecond vertebral bodies, where the first and second expansion forces aredifferent from one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is a perspective view of a spinal implant in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 1 connectedto a delivery tool.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of FIG. 2A, focusing on the spinal implantand delivery tool connection.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 1 in aclosed configuration and connected to a delivery tool.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 1 in alaterally expanded configuration and connected to the delivery tool.

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of the spinal implant of FIG. 1 in the closedconfiguration, connected to the delivery tool, and positioned in anintervertebral space.

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the spinal implant of FIG. 1 in thelaterally expanded configuration, connected to the delivery tool, andpositioned in the intervertebral space.

FIG. 5A is a side elevational view of the spinal implant of FIG. 1positioned in an intervertebral space in a longitudinally contractedconfiguration.

FIG. 5B is a side elevational view of the spinal implant of FIG. 1positioned in the intervertebral space in a longitudinally expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the spinal implant of FIG. 1connected to the delivery tool, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 2B.

FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the spinal implant ofFIG. 1, taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 1 connectedto the delivery tool.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a spinal implant inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a side cross-sectional view of the spinal implant of FIG.10, taken along the longitudinal axis of the first arm 12.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional plan view of the spinal implant of FIG.10, taken along the longitudinal axis of the first arm 12.

FIG. 12A is cross-sectional plan view of the spinal implant of FIG. 10,taken along the channel 66 in the second arm 14.

FIG. 12B is a top perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 10 in alaterally expanded configuration and connected to the delivery tool.

FIG. 12C is a bottom perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 10in a laterally expanded configuration and connected to the deliverytool.

FIG. 12D is an enlarged perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG.10 in a laterally expanded configuration, with the pivotable arm 23 ofthe delivery tool in engagement with a pin 25 of the second arm 14.

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of a spinal implant inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 13positioned in an intervertebral space.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the spinal implant of FIG. 13 duringinsertion into the intervertebral space.

FIG. 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the spinal implant ofFIG. 13, taken along line 16-16.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a spinal implant in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 17during insertion into an intervertebral space.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 17positioned in an intervertebral space.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional bottom plan view of the spinal implant ofFIG. 19 taken along the bottom plates 243 of the implant.

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 17 in alongitudinally contracted configuration.

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 17 in alongitudinally expanded configuration.

FIG. 22A is a top plan view of the spinal implant of FIG. 17.

FIG. 22B is a side cross-sectional view of the spinal implant of FIG.22A taken along line 22-22.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the spinal implant of FIG. 17.

FIG. 24 is a partial, perspective side cross-sectional view of thespinal implant of FIG. 22A taken along line 24-24, with the top plate245 omitted.

FIG. 25A is a partial top perspective view of one segment 212 of thespinal implant of FIG. 17 with the piston, cam ring, and ratcheting ringomitted.

FIG. 25B is a perspective view of a piston of the spinal implant of FIG.17.

FIG. 25C is a perspective view of a cam ring of the spinal implant ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 25D is a perspective view of a ratcheting ring of the spinalimplant of FIG. 17.

FIG. 26 is a partial, exploded perspective view of the spinal implant ofFIG. 17, with the top plate 245 omitted.

FIG. 27A is a partial perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 17,with the top plate 245 omitted, in longitudinally contractedconfiguration.

FIG. 27B is a partial perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 17,with the top plate 245 omitted, in a longitudinally expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 28A is partial perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 17 ina longitudinally contracted configuration.

FIG. 28B is a partial perspective view of the spinal implant of FIG. 17in a longitudinally expanded configuration.

FIG. 29A is a perspective view of a subassembly of the spinal implant ofFIG. 17, showing the piston, ratcheting ring, and control cable.

FIG. 29B is a partial top plan view of the spinal implant of FIG. 17with the top plate 245 omitted.

FIG. 29C is a partial, exploded perspective view of the spinal implantof FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When referring to specific directions in the following disclosure, itshould be understood that, as used herein, the term “proximal” meanscloser to the operator/surgeon, and the term “distal” means further awayfrom the operator/surgeon. The term “anterior” means toward the front ofthe body or the face, and the term “posterior” means toward the back ofthe body. With respect to the longitudinal axis of the spine, the term“superior” refers to the direction towards the head, and the term“inferior” refers to the direction towards the pelvis and feet. Finally,the term “lateral” or “laterally,” as used below, refers to a directionor movement that is in the transverse plane, which is orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis of the spine.

FIG. 1 illustrates an implant 10 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. The implant 10 includes two segmentsarticulatable with respect to one another, in the form of a first arm 12and a second arm 14. Specifically, the first and second arms 12, 14 areconnected together by a hinge portion 16. The implant 10 is insertableinto an intervertebral space in a closed configuration, as illustratedin FIGS. 2A-3A and 4A, and the implant 10 can be expanded laterallywithin the intervertebral space by articulating the arms 12, 14 apartabout the hinge portion 16, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B.

The insertion of the implant 10 into the intervertebral space can beperformed by a delivery tool 18 securely attachable to the proximal end20 of the implant 10 via an anchor located on the implant 10. The anchormay be in the form of a threaded bore 21 for receiving a correspondinglythreaded portion at the distal end 22 of the delivery tool 18, and thethreaded bore 21 may be located on the first arm 12. The delivery tool18 may also be responsible for expanding the implant 10 laterally. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the distal end 22 of the delivery tool18 may include a spreader 24 having a tab 26 with an angled distalsurface 28. The spreader 24 may be guided for longitudinal movement withrespect to the delivery tool 18 by a track 30, and that longitudinalmovement of the spreader 24 may be controlled by a control arm 32towards the proximal end of the spreader 24. The control arm 32 may bedirectly grasped by a surgeon and pushed distally or pulled proximallyin order to induce corresponding longitudinal movement of the spreader24 with respect to the delivery tool 18, or the control arm 32 may beengaged by another component (e.g., a proximally extending controlcable) that can be advanced or retracted in order to induce thelongitudinal movement of the spreader 24. As shown in FIG. 3A, theangled distal surface 28 of the spreader 24 is configured to contact anengagement surface 34 of the implant when the spreader 24 is advanceddistally, such that the distal movement of the angled distal surface 28pushes on the engagement surface 34 and causes the second arm 14 toarticulate with respect to the first arm 12 about the hinge portion 16,which may be located at the distal end 36 of the implant 10. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3B, the engagement surface 34 may be angled, for example byhaving an angle that matches the angle of the angled distal surface 28of the spreader 24.

After the implant 10 has been laterally expanded to the desiredconfiguration, the implant 10 can also be expanded longitudinally in thesuperior-inferior direction, as shown in FIG. 5B. Specifically, theimplant 10 can be expanded such that one or more upper vertebralengaging surfaces 37 on the top end 39 of the implant 10 are moved apartfrom one or more lower vertebral engaging surfaces 41 on the bottom end43 of the implant 10. Such longitudinal expansion can cause the implant10 to securely engage the vertebral body V_(s) in the superior directionand the vertebral body V_(i) in the inferior direction, and furtherexpansion can result in some movement of the superior vertebral bodyV_(s) and the inferior vertebral body V_(i) away from one another, suchthat at least some distraction of the intervertebral space results.

The longitudinal expansion of the implant may be performed using variousmeans, including bellows, rotating cam lift mechanisms, rotating screwlift mechanisms, or other such devices, as disclosed in the '620 Patent.The longitudinal expansion may also be driven by hydraulics, asdisclosed in the '620 Patent and the '671 Publication, and as discussedbelow in connection with the various illustrated embodiments. Forexample, the implant 10 may include one or more pistons received withinassociated cylinders and driven to translate outwardly along thelongitudinal axis of the spine by hydraulic pressure, thus resulting inlongitudinal expansion of the implant. The pistons may have plateportions 45 at their top ends that may include the upper vertebralengaging surfaces 37 thereon for contacting and applying expansion forceto the superior vertebral body V_(s). Alternatively, the top ends of thepistons may simply be defined as the upper vertebral engaging surfaces37 and configured to directly engage the superior vertebral body V_(s).Although not shown in the drawings herein, the vertebral engagingsurfaces of the embodiments disclosed herein may be smooth surfaces, orthey may include textural features (e.g., protrusions, ridges, etc.) formore securely interfacing with the engaged vertebrae, or they mayinclude spikes or similar features (which can either be fixed ordeployable after implantation) for penetrating into the engagedvertebrae.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, the implant 10 may include afirst piston 38 on the first arm 12, a second piston 40 on the secondarm 14, and a central piston 42 at the hinge portion 16. The pistons maybe individually controlled via separate hydraulic pressure channelsformed within the implant, or, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, theymay be controlled by a common hydraulic pressure channel. Specifically,a channel 44 formed within the first arm 12 may communicate with thecylinder 46 within which the first piston 38 is disposed. That way,hydraulic fluid within the channel 44 may cause outward expansion of thefirst piston 38. A seal member, which may be in the form of an o-ring 47a, may be provided between the first piston 38 and the associatedcylinder 46, so that those components can slide with respect to oneanother while preventing hydraulic fluid from escaping at thatinterface. The channel 44 may communicate with an opening so as to besupplied with pressurized hydraulic fluid from the delivery tool 18. Forexample, the channel 44 may communicate with the bore 21, so that thehydraulic fluid may be supplied to the channel 44 by a conduit 48 in thedelivery tool 18. The supply for the hydraulic fluid need not beprovided through the same bore 21 used to anchor the implant 10 to thedelivery tool 18, however, and alternative embodiments may, for example,include a separate opening in the outer surface of the implant forcommunication with a conduit 48 of the delivery tool 18.

The channel 44 may also communicate with the cylinder 50 within whichthe central piston 42 is disposed, so that the hydraulic fluid may alsocause outward expansion of the central piston 42. The communicationbetween the channel 44 and the cylinder 50 may either be directcommunication or communication via an intervening pathway, such as viaangled channel 52 illustrated in FIG. 6. Channel 52 may be formed bydrilling an angled bore from outside the first arm 12 to the distal endof the cylinder 50, such that the bore intersects the channel 44. Ifformed in that manner, the extraneous end 54 of the channel 52 maysubsequently be plugged, so that the hydraulic fluid does not escape theimplant 10 via that path. A seal member, which may be in the form of ano-ring 47 b, may be provided between the central piston 42 and theassociated cylinder 50, so that those components can slide with respectto one another while preventing hydraulic fluid from escaping at thatinterface.

The articulating connection between the first arm 12 and the second arm14 at hinge portion 16 may be constructed so as to allow for thecommunication of the hydraulic fluid between the first arm 12 and thesecond arm 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the second arm 14includes a circular plate 56 at the distal end 36 of the implant 10.That circular plate includes a post 58 projecting perpendicular thereto.The first arm 12 has a cylindrical portion 60 corresponding to the shapeof the circular plate 56 and having an opening 62 in the bottom surfacethereof for receiving the post 58 therethrough, as shown in FIG. 7. Theinterconnection of the post 58 of the second arm 14 within the opening62 of the first arm 12 allows the first and second arms 12, 14 toarticulate with respect to one another, specifically by allowing forpivoting about the axis of the post 58. In order to rotationally securethe first and second arms 12, 14 together, a bushing 64 may be secured(e.g., press fit) onto the post 58 after it has been received throughthe opening 62, so as to prevent the post 58 from withdrawing from theopening 62 while allowing for pivoting between those components.

In order to accommodate flow of the hydraulic fluid through the hingeportion 16 between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14, the post 58may be hollow, so as to communicate with the interior of the cylinder50. Additionally, to allow for pivoting about the post 58 whilepreventing hydraulic fluid from escaping at its interface with theopening 62, a seal member, which may be in the form of an o-ring 47-c,may be provided at that interface, such as by positioning the sealmember around the post 58 between the bottom surface of the first arm 12and the bushing 64.

The hollow post 58 in the second arm 14 may communicate with a channel66 in the second arm 14 that also communicates with the cylinder 68within which the second piston 40 is disposed, so that the hydraulicfluid may also drive the outward expansion of the second piston 40. Thechannel 66 may be formed by drilling a bore along the second arm 14 fromthe proximal end 20 of the implant 10. If formed in that manner, theextraneous end 67 of the channel 66 may subsequently be plugged, so thatthe hydraulic fluid does not escape the implant 10 via that path. Sothat the piston 40 can slide with respect to the cylinder 68 withoutallowing hydraulic fluid to escape at that interface, a seal member,which may be in the form of an o-ring 47 d, may be provided between thesecond piston 40 and the associated cylinder 68 in the same manner asillustrated in FIG. 6 with respect to the first piston 38 and associatedcylinder 46.

The implant 10 may include a locking system to lock the positions of thepistons, at least by preventing them from retracting back into thecylinders once expanded. For example, the pistons may include ratchetingcomponents that allow the pistons to move in the expansion direction,but automatically resist retraction of the pistons in the oppositedirection. Such ratcheting components may also be selectivelyunlockable, in order to allow the pistons to retract when desired. Oneembodiment of such ratcheting components is shown in the embodiment ofthe implant illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 and will now be discussed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first and second pistons 38, 40 each haverespective vertical posts 70, 72 received within respective bores 69, 71in the implant 10. Those bores 69, 71 desirably help constrain therotational orientation of the associated pistons 38, 40, and they alsodesirably help guide the expansion of the pistons 38, 40 along a linearpath. The posts 70, 72 include ratcheting teeth 74 therealong.Corresponding pawls 76, 77 are located along the exterior of the body toengage the teeth 74, as shown in FIG. 1, so as to permit the pistons 38,40 to translate outwardly but restrain the pistons 38, 40 fromretracting back into their respective cylinders. Those pawls 76, 77 arepositioned within corresponding recesses 78, 79 in the outer surface ofthe implant 10. The pawls 76, 77 are held within the recesses 78, 79 byrespective retaining plates 80, 81 affixed to the outer surface of theimplant 10. A respective control cable 82, 83 is connected to each ofthe pawls 76, 77 at respective connecting holes 84, 85, and the controlcables 82, 83 extend around the outer surface of the implant 10 withinrespective grooves 86, 87. The control cables 82, 83 extend to thedelivery tool 18, where they can be controlled by the surgeon via thedelivery tool 18. Linear compression springs (not shown) are receivedaround the control cables 82, 83 within each recess 78, 79, so as tobias the pawls 76, 77 along the recesses 78, 79 and into engagement withthe ratcheting teeth 74. Thus, when the cables 82, 83 are pulled, therespective pawls 76, 77 will slide along the respective recesses 78, 79away from the vertical posts 70, 72, thus disengaging the pawls form theratcheting teeth 74 and allowing the pistons 38, 40 to retract back intotheir respective cylinders. The central piston 42 can similarly becontrolled by a corresponding pawl 88 received within a recess 89 in theouter surface of the implant 10 and held there by a retaining plate 90affixed to the outer surface of the implant. The pawl 88 is biased by aspring (not shown) into engagement with ratcheting teeth 74 on the outersurface of the piston 42, and the pawl 88 can be disengaged from theratcheting teeth 74 of the piston 42 by the same control cable 82 thatcontrols pawl 76, which control cable 82 connects to the pawl 76 viaconnecting hole 91. As the control cable 83 that controls pawl 77extends all the way around the outside of the implant 10, it can passthrough holes 92 in pawls 76 and 88 without being secured thereto. Thecentral piston 42 may also include a vertical post 93 received within abore 94 in the implant 10 to help constrain the rotational orientationof the piston 42 and help guide the expansion of the piston 42 along alinear path.

Other alternative locking systems are possible, however. For example,rotatable, inter-engaging locking elements having tiered, multi-steppedsupport surfaces, as disclosed in the '620 Patent and the '671Publication, can be used. That is, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-11, eachpiston 38, 40, 42 may be connected to a respective upper lock support 53a-c that is structured to releasably engage an associated lower locksupport 51 a-c. The upper lock supports 53 a-c may each resemble aninverted spiral staircase integrally formed inside the respective piston38, 40, 42, and the lower lock supports 51 a-c may each resemble anupright spiral staircase rotatably positioned within the respectivecylinder 46, 48, 50. The lower lock supports 51 a-c are rotationallybiased into mating engagement the upper lock supports 53 a-c such thateach piston 38, 40, 42 is prevented from retracting back into itsrespective cylinder 46, 48, 50 at any of a variety of heights when theupper and lower lock supports are engaged. Specifically, as discussed inthe '620 Patent and the '671 Publication, the tiered, multi-steppedupper support surfaces of the lower lock supports 51 a-c are configuredto engage the tiered, multi-stepped lower support surfaces of the upperlock supports 53 a-c at any of a variety of levels of expansion, so thatthe upper lock supports 53 a-c (and thus the associated pistons 38, 40,42) are prevented from translating downwardly.

Each of the lower lock supports 51 a-c can be unlocked when desired, byrotating the lower lock supports away from engagement with thecorresponding upper lock supports, such that the pistons 38, 40, 42 canretract. In particular, each rotatable lower lock support 51 a-c mayinclude gear teeth 35 so as to form a pinion engageable by acorresponding, translatable rack gear 33 a-c. Each rack gear 33 a-c isbiased by a corresponding linear spring 31 a-c, which provides therotational biasing force that drives each of the lower lock supports 51a-c into engagement against the associated upper lock supports 53 a-c.The unlocking of any one of the lower lock supports 51 a-c may thusinclude pushing the associated rack gear 33 a-c to rotate the lower locksupport out of engagement with the upper lock support, which furthercompresses the associated spring 31 a-c. In the first arm 12, lower locksupport 51 a is engaged by rack gear 33 a, and lower lock support 51 cis engaged by rack gear 33 c. Both of those rack gears 33 a, 33 c mayinclude engagement plates 29 at their proximal ends, so that theassociated lower lock supports 51 a, 51 c can be unlocked by pushing theengagement plates 29, and thus the rack gears, in the distal direction.The rack gears 33 a, 33 c may be positioned within the hydraulic channel44 formed within the first arm 12, such that the engagement plates 29are accessible via the bore 21, as shown in FIG. 11A. Thus, the deliverytool 18 can include appropriately structured components (not shown)designed to move distally into the bore 21 and push the correspondingrack gears 33 a, 33 c. The lower lock support 51 b in the second arm 14is engaged by rack gear 33 b, such that the lower lock support 51 b maybe unlocked by moving the rack gear 33 b in the proximal direction. Thatrack gear 33 b may be positioned within the hydraulic channel 66 (orsome other channel) formed within the second arm 14, and the rack gear33 b may be engaged from the exterior of the second arm 14 to induce theunlocking movement of the rack gear 33 b. For example, a piston 27positioned within the channel 66 and connected to the rack gear 33 b mayinclude a pin 25 projecting laterally through a slot along the innersurface 15 of the second arm 14. That pin 25 may be 14 engaged by a toolconnected to or associated with the first arm 12. For example, thespreader 24, or a similar component movable distally along the innerside of the first arm 12, may include a pivotable arm 23 for engagingthe pin 25. The arm 23 may designed to pivot such that it can slide thepin 25 proximally along the second arm 14, so as to push the rack gear33 b proximally and unlock the lower lock support 51 b, as shown inFIGS. 12A-D. That proximal movement of the rack gear 33 b results in afurther compression of the spring 31 b positioned between the rack gear33 b and a plugging cap 63 at the end 67 of the channel 66. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, the upper and lower lock supportsare located inside the respective pistons. However, alternativearrangements in which the lock supports are positioned outside of therespective pistons and at least partially encircle the pistons, asdisclosed in the '620 Patent, may also be used.

As discussed above, the pistons 38, 40, 42 may be individuallycontrolled via separate hydraulic pressure channels formed within theimplant, or they may be controlled by a single hydraulic pressurechannel, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9. One benefit of having all ofthe pistons 38, 40, 42 controlled with a single hydraulic pressurechannel, and thus a single hydraulic pressure input, is that it canresult in simplicity of construction and use of the implant 10.Moreover, with a single hydraulic pressure channel, the implant 10 maybe designed such that the pistons 38, 40, 42 will apply different forcesto the engaged vertebral body at pre-defined ratios to one another. Thatis, since the pressure within the single hydraulic pressure channel willbe uniform, the force applied by any piston will be directly related tothe cross-sectional area of that piston, as force equals pressuremultiplied by area. Thus, by selecting the cross-sectional area of eachof the pistons 38, 40, 42, the ratios of the forces applied by thepistons can be pre-defined. For example, the table below provides someexemplary force ratios based on the diameter of the central piston 42vis-a-vis the first and second pistons 38, 40 (where the first andsecond pistons have the same area). It is noted that the force ratiosprovided in the below table are the ratio of the force applied by thefirst and second pistons 38, 40 together (i.e., the sum of the forceapplied by each of those pistons) to the force applied by the centralpiston 42.

Force ratio Diameter Diameter of Area of Area of first (first and ofcentral first and second central and second second pistons piston 42pistons 38, 40 piston 42 pistons 38, 40 38, 40: central (mm) (mm) (mm²)(mm²) piston 42) 5 3 314.16 113.10 0.72 6 3 452.39 113.10 0.50 7 3615.75 113.10 0.37 5 4 314.16 201.06 1.28 6 4 452.39 201.06 0.89 7 4615.75 201.06 0.65 5 5 314.16 314.16 2.00 6 5 452.39 314.16 1.39 7 5615.75 314.16 1.02 9 3 1017.88 113.10 0.22 9 4.5 1017.88 254.47 0.5 9 61017.88 452.39 0.89 7.6 3 725.83 113.10 0.31 7.6 4 725.83 201.06 0.557.6 5 725.83 314.16 0.87

Desirably, by applying different forces at different locations along theimplant 10, the implant can create different amounts of expansion atthose different locations. Beneficially, such differential expansion canbe used for lordosis correction. For example, the nerve roots can bedecompressed by providing some expansion at the posterior portion of thespine, and lordosis can be corrected by providing a greater amount ofexpansion at the anterior portion of the spine.

Another embodiment of an implant 110 having a first segment 112 andsecond segment 114 in accordance with the present invention isillustrated in FIGS. 13-16. In that embodiment, rather than the twosegments 112, 114 of the implant 110 being in the form of long andnarrow first and second arms, as shown in the above-discussed figures ofthe previous embodiments, the two segments 112, 114 may be shorter andwider (and they may also be closer to squares). Moreover, rather thanbeing directly connectable together at a pivot axis, the segments 112,114 may be somewhat spaced apart and connected together by one or morelinkages 116. The linkages are desirably rigid links pivotably connectedto each segment 112, 114 at their opposite ends. That is, each linkage116 may have a cylindrical opening 162 at each end sized to receive arespective post 158 connected to each of the segments 112, 114 (e.g.,connected to the bottom plates 143), so that the linkages 116 arepivotable about the posts 158. Moreover, bushings 164 may be secured(e.g., press fit) onto the posts 158 after they have been receivedthrough the openings 162, so as to prevent the posts 158 fromwithdrawing from the openings 162 while allowing for pivoting betweenthose components. As shown in FIG. 13, one of the linkages 116 a may bea straight link 116 a connecting the left proximal corner of the secondsegment 114 to a distal end of the first segment 112, either centrallylocated in the left/right direction or towards the right side of thefirst segment 112. Another linkage 116 b may connect the right proximalcorner of the second segment 114 to a left side of the first segment112, proximally of the distal end. That second linkage 116 b may have abent profile (e.g., with a 90° bend), so as to avoid interference withthe first linkage 116 a. In other alternative embodiments, straightlinkages (such as those illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 17-22),crossing linkages (not shown), or other suitable linkage arrangementsmay be used.

Each segment 112, 114 of the implant 110 may comprise a top plate 145having an upper vertebral engaging surface 137 and a bottom plate 143having a lower vertebral engaging surface 41. Hydraulically drivenpistons 138 received in corresponding cylinders 146, similar to thosediscussed above, can be positioned between the top and bottom plates145, 143 for driving them apart. The segments 112, 114 may also includeany appropriate locking system for automatically preventing the top andbottom plates 145, 143 from retracting back towards one another, exceptwhen deliberately unlocked by the user. For example, each segment 112,114 may have a respective locking element that may take the form of anyof the locking elements discussed above or those disclosed in the '620Patent or the '671 Publication. Alternatively, the locking elements maytake the form of those discussed below in connection with FIGS. 23-29.

Either or both of the linkages 116 a, 116 b connecting the first andsecond segments 112, 114 of the implant 110 may be configured totransmit the hydraulic fluid therethrough, so that a single hydraulicpressure channel may be common to the expansion mechanisms (e.g.,pistons/cylinders) of both segments 112, 114. That is, as discussedabove, the cylinders 146 within which the pistons 138 are disposed maybe interconnected by a series of channels, which may be formed in thebottom plate 143. Those channels formed in the first segment 112 maycommunicate with one or both posts 158 of the first segment 112. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 16, the posts 158 of the first segment 112 maybe hollow so as to define a fluid channel 144 therein. The linkages 116a, 116 b may similarly be hollow so as to define a fluid channel 165therein. Finally, the posts 158 of the second segment 114 may also behollow so as to define a fluid channel 166 therein, which channel 166may communicate either directly or indirectly with the cylinder of thesecond segment 112. In order for the hydraulic fluid to flow between thefluid channels 144, 166 of the posts 158 and the fluid channels 165 ofthe linkages 116 a, 116 b, slots 152 may be provided in each of theposts 158. Moreover, seal members, which may be in the form of o-rings147, may be positioned in corresponding grooves 149 of the posts 158,both above and below the slots 152, so as to seal the network of fluidchannels defined within the linkages 116 while allowing the linkages topivot.

Desirably, the linkages 116 of the implant 110 may be configured so asto allow the first and second segments 112, 114 to be aligned in acollinear arrangement, as shown in FIG. 13. That way, the implant 110may beneficially take up a small area in the lateral direction duringinsertion, after which the implant may be articulated within theintervertebral space to achieve a final configuration like thatillustrated in FIG. 12, which may be towards the anterior portion of thespine. Although the embodiment of the implant 10 discussed above inconnection with FIGS. 1-9 was shown being inserted with hinge portion 16leading and the first and second arms 12, 14 trailing, it is noted thatthe first and second arms 12, 14 of that embodiment could also beimplanted in a collinear arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 15.Specifically, the arms 12, 14 of that implant 10 may initially be spreadapart such that they are positioned on opposite sides of the hingeportion 16.

Another embodiment of an implant 210 in accordance with the presentinvention and illustrated in FIGS. 17-29 may be similar to the implant110 illustrated in FIGS. 13-16, but the implant 210 of FIGS. 17-29 mayhave three articulating segments 212, 214, 215. Reference numerals inFIGS. 17-29 similar to those used in the embodiment of FIGS. 13-16 referto analogous elements, and thus such analogous elements may not beseparately discussed below in connection with implant 210 of FIGS.17-29.

The three segments 212, 214, 215 of the implant 210 may beinterconnected by pivotable linkages 216 like those in implant 110,except that those illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 17-29 are allstraight linkages 216. Having three (or more) interconnected,articulating segments 212, 214, 215 may thus allow for the insertion ofthe implant 210 in the manner shown in FIG. 18, after which the implant210 can be articulated into an arrangement like that illustrated in FIG.19. That is, the segments 212, 214, 215 may initially be oriented duringinsertion in an almost linear arrangement (as illustrated in FIG. 18),after which the segments may be articulated within the intervertebralspace to create a more triangular arrangement of pistons (as illustratedin FIG. 19), with the entire implant 210 being disposed towards theanterior portion of the spine. The bottom plates 243 of each segment212, 214, 215 may be shaped with notches 206 configured to receiveportions of the bottom plates 243 of adjacent segments, as shown in FIG.20, in order to facilitate the articulation of the segments into thetriangular arrangement shown in FIG. 19. The implant 210 may then beexpanded in the longitudinal direction of the spine (e.g.,hydraulically) from the contracted configuration illustrated in FIG. 21Ato the expanded configuration illustrated in FIG. 21B. As shown in FIG.22B, any or all of the linkages 216 may be configured in the same manneras the linkages 116 of the embodiment of FIGS. 13-16, such that thelinkages 216 can communicate the hydraulic fluid among all of thesegments 212, 214, 215 via a series of channels 207 formed in the bottomplates 243.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 13-16 and 17-29, one or more pistons 238 maybe independently controlled via a separate pressure channel. Thedifferent linkages 116, 216 may thus be on different pressure channelcircuits that bypass certain pistons. As an example, in an embodimenthaving three segments such as that shown in FIGS. 17-29, the pressurechannel communicating with the inner linkages 216 a may bypass thepiston 238 of the central segment 215, while communicating with thepistons 238 of the other segments 212, 214, and the pressure channelcommunicating with the outer linkages 216 b may only serve the piston238 of the central segment 215, while bypassing the pistons 238 of theother segments. Other embodiments may include any other combinations ofpistons on different pressure channels.

The embodiment of FIGS. 17-29 may include a different locking system tolock the positions of the pistons 238 than those discussed above. Thatis, as shown in FIGS. 23-29, the locking system of each segment 212,214, 215 of the implant 210 may include a lower lock support 251 coupledwith the bottom plate 243, which lower lock support is movablyengageable with an associated upper lock support 253 coupled to theexpanding top plate 245. Like the upper lock supports 53 a-c of theembodiment of FIGS. 10-11, the upper lock supports 253 of the embodimentof FIGS. 17-29 are integrally formed inside the respective pistons 238and resemble an inverted spiral staircase. The lower lock supports 251may also resemble an upright spiral staircase positioned within therespective cylinders 246. Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 10-11, however,the lower lock supports 251 of the embodiment of FIGS. 17-29 areintegrally formed within the respective cylinders 246. The upper andlower lock supports may thus be movably engageable with one another viarotation of the pistons 238 during expansion. Specifically, the outersurface of each piston 238 may include a cam profile 255 shaped forengagement with a cam follower pin 257 of a cam ring 259 that surroundsthe piston 238 and is secured to cylinder 246. As shown in FIGS. 25A,26, and 27A-B, the top end of the cylinder 246 may include a recess 261shaped to receive the cam ring 259, and a projection 273 of the cam ring259 may be shaped to be received within a corresponding relief 275 ofthe cylinder 246, so as to lock the rotational orientation of the camring 259. The engagement of the cam follower pin 257 and the cam profile255 is such that, as one of the steps of the upper lock support 253 isdisplaced vertically above a corresponding step of the lower locksupport 251 during expansion of the piston 238, the cam ring 259 causesthe piston 238 to rotate (counterclockwise in the view shown in FIGS.27-28) so that the step of the upper lock support 253 is moved intoengagement with the next step up along the lower lock support 251. Thataction then continues for each successive step of the upper and lowerlock support during the upward expansion of the piston 238. The verticaldisplacement of the piston 238 thus becomes locked at each successivestep, since retraction of the piston 238 will cause the aligned steps ofthe upper and lower lock supports to engage, thereby preventing furtherdownward movement of the piston 238.

The piston 238 may be controlled during expansion so that it is onlypermitted to rotate in a single direction, such as by a ratchetingmechanism. That way, when the expansion force is released from thepiston 238, the piston will not be permitted to undo its rotation so asto retract more than the height of a single step of the upper and lowerlock supports. The ratcheting mechanism may include a ratcheting ring295 surrounding the piston 238 and fixed rotationally with respect tothe piston 238. Specifically, the ratcheting ring 295 may include one ormore keys 296 receivable within associated key slots 297 on the piston238, so that the ratcheting ring 295 can maintain its vertical positionwith respect to the cylinder 246 while the ratcheting ring 295 rotateswith the piston 238 as the piston expands upwardly. During thatrotation, a ratcheting pawl 298 along the perimeter of the ratchetingring 295 engages ratcheting teeth 299 formed along the cylinder 246. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27-28, the ratcheting ring 295permits counterclockwise rotation of the piston 238 while resistingclockwise rotation of the piston 238. As shown in FIGS. 24, 25A 26, and29C, the ratcheting ring 295 is received within an arcuate groove 205 atthe top end of the cylinder 246, in order to constrain the position ofthe ratcheting ring about the longitudinal axis of the piston 238 whilepermitting the ratcheting ring to rotate about that axis, and thevertical position of the ratcheting ring 295 is constrained between thecam ring 259 and the top of the cylinder 246.

If retraction of the pistons 238 is desired by the user, the ratchetingring 295 can be unlocked so as to permit the rotation of the pistons tobe reversed. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 29A-C, a control cable 282is received within a groove 286 in the ratcheting pawl 298, and thedistal end of the control cable 282 may be fixed to the ratcheting ring295 by an enlarged ball 209 received within a corresponding recess 208.By pulling proximally on the control cable 282, the ratcheting pawl 298will deflect out of engagement with the ratcheting teeth 299 of thecylinder 246, as shown in FIG. 29B, thus permitting reverse rotation ofthe piston 238. Preferably, the ratcheting ring 295 of each segment 212,214, 215 of the implant 210 includes its own respective control cable282 extending proximally from the implant 210 for operation by the user.That way, the pistons 238 can be individually retracted, if desired.Alternatively, all of the ratcheting rings 295 may be interconnected forsimultaneous unlocking, such as by having each of the ratcheting rings295 connected to a single control cable, or by utilizing a series ofcontrol cables interconnecting the ratcheting rings 295 of each segment212, 214, 215.

In order to avoid imparting the rotation of the pistons 238 to thevertebral bodies via the outwardly expanding top plates 245 that definethe upper vertebral engaging surfaces 237, the top plates 245 may beconnected to the respective pistons 238 by connections which permitrotation between those two components. For example, the top plates 245may be connected to the associated pistons 238 via ball joints 204.Beneficially, such ball joint connections may also permit the top plates245 to be angled with respect to the pistons 238 as needed, based on anyangle defined between the vertebral body engaged by the top plates 245(e.g., the vertebral body V_(s) in the superior direction) and thebottom plates 243 defining the lower vertebral engaging surfaces 241.

Although not illustrated herein, the embodiment of the locking systemshown in FIGS. 23-29 may be used in place of any of the other lockingsystems of the other embodiments disclosed in the present application.Moreover, pivotable connections (such as the ball joint 204 connectionsdiscussed above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 17-29) may beincorporated between the top plates and their associated pistons in anyof the other embodiments of the present application.

Although it is possible to do so in an embodiment having two expandablesegments (like that illustrated in FIGS. 13-16), is may be moredesirable in an embodiment having three or more segments (like thatillustrated in FIGS. 17-29) to have differently sized pistonsinterconnected by a common pressure channel, such that differentialexpanding forces can be applied, as discussed above in connection withthe embodiment of FIGS. 1-9. For example, in the implant 210 of FIGS.17-29, the central segment 215 may beneficially have a piston sizeddifferently from the other two segments 212, 214 (which may have thesame sizes as one another) in order to correct lordosis by applying adifferent (e.g., greater) amount of expansion at the anterior portion ofthe spine when the implant 210 is arranged in the manner illustrated inFIG. 19.

Any of the embodiments disclosed above may be used in any type ofapproach to the intervertebral space (e.g., PLIF, TLIF, and lateral),although certain approaches may be more preferred for certain implantconfigurations. For example, the embodiments of FIGS. 1-11 may be bestsuited for a PLIF approach, while the embodiments of FIGS. 13-29 may bebest suited for a TLIF approach.

Although various sealing members (e.g., o-rings) have been disclosedabove for maintaining seals between surfaces that move relative to oneanother, it is noted that alternative embodiments (not shown) need notinclude separate sealing members, and instead either or both of themovable components may be structured to be self sealing.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A spinal implant system, comprising: a spinal implant for placementin an intervertebral space between a first vertebral body and a secondvertebral body of a spine, the spinal implant having a distal end and aproximal end, and the spinal implant having first surface for contactingthe first vertebral body and a second surface for contacting the secondvertebral body, the spinal implant including: a first portion; a secondportion; and a hinge connecting together the first portion and thesecond portion such that the first and second portions are articulatableabout the first hinge, the hinge being located at the distal end of thespinal implant; and a tool connectable to a tool interface at theproximal end of the spinal implant, the tool having a spreader forspreading apart the first and second portions of the spinal implantabout the hinge.
 2. The spinal implant system of claim 1, wherein thespreader is insertable into a space defined between the first portionand the second portion of the spinal implant in order to spread apartthe first and second portions.
 3. The spinal implant system of claim 2,wherein movement of the spreader from the distal end of the spinalimplant towards the proximal end of the spinal implant induces thespreading apart of the first and second portions of the spinal implant.4. The spinal implant system of claim 2, wherein the spreader includesat least one ramp surface, the at least one ramp surface beingengageable with at least one of the first and second portions of thespinal implant during movement of the spreader from the distal end ofthe spinal implant towards the proximal end of the spinal implant, so asto induce the spreading apart of the first and second portions of thespinal implant.
 5. The spinal implant system of claim 1, wherein thespinal implant is expandable along the longitudinal axis of the spine.6. The spinal implant system of claim 5, wherein the tool controls theexpansion of the spinal implant along the longitudinal axis of thespine.
 7. The spinal implant system of claim 6, wherein the spinalimplant is expandable by supplying a hydraulic fluid through the tool toa port at the proximal end of the spinal implant.
 8. The spinal implantsystem of claim 7, wherein the spinal implant further includes a firstpiston expandable by the hydraulic fluid, the first piston being locatedon the hinge.
 9. The spinal implant of claim 8, wherein the spinalimplant further includes a second piston expandable by the hydraulicfluid, the second piston being located on one of the first and secondportions of the spinal implant.
 10. The spinal implant of claim 9,wherein the spinal implant further includes a third piston expandable bythe hydraulic fluid, wherein the second piston is located on the firstportion of the spinal implant and the third piston is located on thesecond portion of the spinal implant.
 11. The spinal implant of claim 9,wherein the first piston has a larger cross-sectional area than thesecond piston.
 12. The spinal implant of claim 7, wherein the port forthe hydraulic fluid is disposed on the first portion of the spinalimplant.
 13. The spinal implant of claim 12, wherein the spinal implantis configured to direct the hydraulic fluid from the port in the firstportion to the second portion through the hinge.
 14. A method ofperforming a spinal interbody fusion procedure, comprising: inserting animplant into an intervertebral space between a first vertebral body anda second vertebral body of a spine using a tool connected to a proximalend of the implant; and spreading first and second articulatableportions of the implant apart about a hinge at a distal end of theimplant using the tool while the tool is connected to the proximal endof the implant.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step ofspreading the first and second articulatable portions of the implantapart using the tool includes inserting a spreading component into aspace defined between the first and second articulatable portions of theimplant.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of spreading thefirst and second articulatable portions of the implant apart includeslongitudinally advancing the spreader from the proximal end of theimplant towards the distal end of the implant.
 17. The method of claim17, further comprising expanding the implant along the longitudinal axisof the spine, wherein the step of expanding the implant along thelongitudinal axis of the spine is actuated by the tool.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein the step of expanding the implant along thelongitudinal axis of the spine includes supplying a hydraulic fluid tothe implant via the tool.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprisingexpanding a first piston disposed on the first articulatable portion anda second piston disposed on the second articulatable portion using thehydraulic fluid, wherein expanding the first and second pistons includesapplying a pressure to the hydraulic fluid.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein applying the pressure to the hydraulic fluid results in thefirst piston applying a first expansion force between the first andsecond vertebral bodies and the second piston applying a secondexpansion force between the first and second vertebral bodies, the firstexpansion force being different than the second expansion force.